Keep The Mice Out!

November 8, 2010

With cooler weather right around the corner homeowners in Minneapolis- St. Paul, Lincoln NE and across the region should be aware that unless they take precautions they may have a house guest or two over the winter. While many of us don’t mind an occasional visit from a good friend or family member we may object to sharing our homes with mice who are seeking relief from the colder weather.

Mice, while they seem harmless, are actually a nuisance and dangerous pest problem to experience. Mouse damage often includes:

Chewed electrical wiring, mattresses and furniture

Torn or contaminate insulation in wall and ceilings

Stains from urine and droppings

Holes in drywall, wall and other areas

In order to prevent mice and other rodents and overwintering insects from invading your home consider implementing a few of our pest-proofing tips.

Inside your home

Store people and pet food in containers preferably made of metal or glass

De-Clutter your garage, basement or storage area

Keep boxes, clothes and other items that are great nesting material picked up

Outside your home

Don’t leave pet food outside for any length of time

Keep trash in tightly sealed containers

Remove bird feeders

Trim shrubs, weeds and plants away from the foundation

Screen vents and install chimney caps

Repair or replace damaged or torn screens in windows and doors

Seal any foundation cracks or openings that are larger than ¼ inch including areas where utilities and pipes enter

Around your yard

Remove any abandoned items from your yard

Move firewood off the ground and several feet away from the home

Check your yard often and pick up any fallen fruit or nuts

Sometimes even the best attempts at keeping mice out fail. If you suspect that a mouse has entered your home keep your eyes out for gnaw marks in wood, holes in boxes and mouse droppings. Noises in the wall are another sign of mouse activity and should be addressed immediately to avoid a larger infestation.

When mice become a problem in your home, contact Plunkett’s right away! We offer effective residential pest control services that can help you achieve and maintain a home free of mice and other pests. We are a local pest control company serving the needs of our neighbors and are located in several states including Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin as well as Iowa and Illinois. Please give us a call at 1-866-906-1780 or simply fill out our online contact form.